Journey to Datong&Wutai Mountain

This four-day trip from Datong to Wutai Mountain is a double baptism of vision and soul.

The Yungang Grottoes are magnificent, the Wutai Mountain temples are solemn, and there are thousands of years of history shuttling between the monuments; the Pagoda of Fogong Temple is majestic, the Xuankong Temple is ingenious, the Wutai Mountain sanctuary is sacred, and the Buddhist Temple is quiet and profound, all of which are breathtaking to the people.

This trip not only felt the exquisite skills of ancient craftsmen, but also deeply appreciated the deep heritage and unique charm of Buddhist culture.

From $999
Entrance fees of all the attractions as listed.

What to Expect

● From the magnificence of the Yungang Grottoes to the solemnity of the Wutai Mountain temples, each monument speaks of a thousand years of history and culture.

● The majesty of the Pagoda of Fogong Temple, the ingenuity of the Xuankong Temple, the sanctuary of the Wutai Mountain, and the serenity of the Buddha's Light Temple are all enchanting.

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 Datong Arrival

Yungang Grottoes - Jiulong Wall
4+ stars Hotel
None

Welcome to Datong, Shanxi, our guide and driver will be waiting for you at the airport or station to take you on our Shanxi tour.

First, you will proceed to Yungang Grottoes, where there are 254 Buddhist grottoes stretching for about 1 kilometer as if a gallery of history. Among them, some 5,100 precious sculptures are breathtaking. These sculptures come in all sizes and shapes, with the largest statue standing 17 meters tall and solemn, while the smallest is just 2 centimeters high and delicate. Among the Yungang Grottoes, you can't miss Cave 5 and Cave 6, which are undoubtedly the jewels of the entire cave complex.

Then, you will drive back to downtown Datong to visit a stunning structure, the Jiulong Wall. This is a shadow wall made of colorful glazed tiles depicting nine lifelike dragons.

Immediately after, you will visit Huayan Temple - the largest and best-preserved temple built by the Khitan during the Liao Dynasty. You can deeply feel the weight of history and the charm of culture during your visit.

DAY 2 Datong - Wutai Mountain

Pagoda of Fogong Temple - the Xuankong Temple - Wutai Mountain
4+ stars Hotel
Breakfast

After breakfast, you will depart from Datong to Pagoda of Fogong Temple, a 67.31-meter-high wooden pagoda built in Liao Dynasty (907~1125), which is not only the world's oldest and tallest wooden multi-storey building, but also breathtaking with its exquisite craftsmanship that requires no nails, screws or bolts.

You will then proceed to the Xuankong Temple. This ancient temple, founded in 491 in the Northern Wei Dynasty, has survived for more than 1,500 years. What is even more rare is that the Hanging Temple is also a temple that integrates Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, reflecting the profoundness of Chinese culture.

After visiting the Xuankong Temple, you will travel to Wutai Mountain where you will check into your hotel to refresh yourself for tomorrow's trip.

DAY 3 Wutai Mountain

Wutai Mountain-Taihuai Town-Tayuan Temple-Shuxiang Temple-Xiantong Temple-Bodhisattva's Peak
4+ stars Hotel
Breakfast

After breakfast, you will set foot in the heart of Wutai Mountain, Taihuai Town, and explore four of its most influential temples: Tayuan Temple, Shuxiang Temple, Xiantong Temple, and Bodhisattva's Peak.

The Tayuan Temple is named after the Great White Pagoda, the landmark of Wutai Mountain. Standing at a height of 75.3 meters and a circumference of 83 meters, this towering white pagoda is not only a landmark, but also carries a profound Buddhist culture.

Next, you will visit Shuxiang Temple (Temple of Manjushri). Many historical emperors and empresses have visited this temple, adding to its rich historical heritage.

Afterwards, you will arrive at Xiantong Temple, one of the largest and oldest temples in Wutai Mountain. It is home to a bronze hall built in 1610, which is made of 50,000 kilograms of cast bronze and is one of the best-preserved bronze buildings in China. Most major Buddhist events and ceremonies are held here, highlighting its importance in the Buddhist community.

Finally, you will climb to the Bodhisattva's Peak, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Wutai Mountain. Legend has it that this is the true abode of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva, and the architecture is grand and stately.

After exploring these four temples, you will return to the peaceful Taihuai Town by coach, bringing your trip to Wutai Mountain to a successful conclusion.

DAY 4 Wutai Mountain - Departure

Dailuoding Temple - Foguang Temple - Departure
None
Breakfast

After breakfast, you will embark on a spiritual journey to the Dailuoding Temple, which is located at the top of the Dongtai hillside. This temple is uniquely situated to stand overlooking a magnificent panoramic view of the other temples and the Taihuai Town. There are two ways to reach the temple: choose to climb the 1,080 steps to show your devotion or take the convenient cable car.

Immediately after, you will drive to the Foguang Temple. The East Hall of the temple is one of the three surviving wooden buildings of the Tang Dynasty in China, and even more so, the best-preserved of them all. The Tang Dynasty architecture, sculptures, murals and inscriptions here are of great historical and artistic value and are known as the "Four Wonders".

After the visit to Foguang Temple, you will end this wonderful journey with full of rewards and memories and set off for home.